This easy Frito Pie Recipe is one of those recipes that one serving is not enough! Loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheesy goodness, and crunchy corn chips. It's a Tex-Mex casserole that's a sure-fire hit with everyone who tries it.
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❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe
- This is the best Frito pie and a great dish to make for potlucks, busy weeknight dinner, and celebratory days such as Cinco de Mayo, game day parties, and family get-togethers.
- A lot of people make small take-and-go Frito pies in a bag, by using the servings size Frito bags. These are also known as "Walking Tacos" So cute for a birthday party and tailgating.
Ingredients
- Ground beef - A blend of 80/20 beef will give a nice balance of flavor to this beef casserole.
- Taco Seasoning - Use homemade taco seasoning or a store-bought version, whatever you have on hand. The taco packets are great to keep in the cupboard for quick seasoning.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, I highly suggest fire-roasted diced tomatoes which add just a hint of smokiness to the other ingredients.
- Cheddar Cheese - Anyone who has been reading my recipes for some time will know that I suggest grating your own cheese. The pre-shredded cheese usually has a sort of film on it and it's not great for melting.
- Corn - Fresh, frozen, or canned corn will work. Depending on the time of year, the corn can be leftovers from corn on the cob to give another layer of flavor.
- Green Onions -Garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and more cheese.
- Frito Corn Chips - Don't skimp, use Fritos Corn Chips, oh my, this is the key to the deliciousness!
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until crumbled and cooked through. Add the onions and packet of taco seasoning and water. Simmer until liquid thickens.
- Add in corn, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes and simmer for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
3. Spread a layer of corn chips on the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Pour the meat mixture over the chips.
5. Spread shredded cheese over the meat.
6. Place remaining corn chips over the cheese.
7. Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes.
Once the Frito pie is baked, serve with your favorite toppings like Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, olives, diced, onions, and shredded cheese.
Equipment
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Storage
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, about 10 minutes. Microwave leftovers following manufacturers' instructions.
Freezer Tips:
The Frito Pie Casserole can be made ahead of time. Just don't add the top layer of Fritos until ready to bake the casserole.
Once it has cooled, cover well with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be kept for about 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before adding the remaining layer of chips.
Expert Tips
Eileen's Tip: I suggest grating your own cheese. The pre-shredded cheese has a film on it and it's not great for melting.
- The beef mixture can be made in larger batches. Place in freezer bags for use later. Defrost overnight in the fridge. The meat can be frozen for up to 3 months. Use the FDA Guidelines for freezing foods for specifics
FAQs
The origins of the recipe are unclear. It has been known to be popular in Texas since around 1949.
The recipe is great on its own. It can also be served with rice, cornbread, corn, or a green vegetable like roasted broccoli or roasted green beans.
Toppings
Guacamole pairs beautifully with Frito Pie.
Salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and shredded lettuce are all fabulous toppings for Frito Pie.
Variations
As written, Frito Pie is just delicious. As always, so many recipes can be varied and this one is a perfect example.
- For the beef, you can vary and use ground turkey, ground chicken, or vegan crumbles.
- We've made this using cooked chicken with delicious results.
- Shredded Beef is another great choice in lieu of ground beef.
- Add any type of beans to the filling.
- A can of diced green chiles is another fabulous choice.
- Colby or Monterey Jack cheese would both be great in this taco casserole.
- Add in some refried beans for a variation in flavor.
Similar Recipes
While this is one amazing recipe, you may want to try our beef enchiladas, another delicious choice for dinner.
Burrito Bowls is a quick and delicious meal.
Enchilada Chicken Sliders are a fabulous choice for a fun dinner.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls are so darn good.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are a fabulous choice for another easy tasty meal.
Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Mango Salsa, a fantastic dinner and the salsa is ah-mazing.
Chili Mac, this is one mouthwatering recipe.
The chips are key to the casserole. As they bake, they transform into a soft mouthwatering combo with seasoned beef and other flavorful ingredients. It's also one of the most versatile recipes with so many options and toppings.
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Thank you for the continued support. I am forever grateful.
Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. recipe box!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recipe originally published on February 19, 2021, and updated August 9, 2021, for user experience.
Frito Pie Recipe
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Note 1
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning 1 ounce packet
- ½ cup water
- 15 ounce chili beans, not drained optional
- 14 ounce can diced tomatoes with juices Note 2
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned, drain and discard juice if using can
- 5 cups Fritos® corn chips 9.25 ounce bag
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped garnish
- ¼ cup fresh tomatoes, diced garnish
- non-stick cooking spray
- sour cream garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or grease a 9" x 13" baking dish. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef until crumbled and cooked through. There will be no more pink in the meat.
- Add in the diced yellow onions, stir occasionally for about 3 minutes to soften onions.
- Mix in the taco seasoning, water, and chili beans. Simmer about 5 minutes, sauce will thicken slightly.
- Add in corn, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, simmer for another 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally, to blend flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of the corn chips on the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the cooked meat mixture over the the chips.
- Next, spread the shredded cheese over the meat.
- Add a final layer of the remaining corn chips.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. The casserole will be cooked through and the cheese fully melted.
- For garnish, top the casserole with the diced green onions and fresh diced tomatoes.
- Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream. Additional topping ideas in the notes.
Notes
- For the beef, you can vary and use turkey, chicken, or vegan crumbles.
- We've made this using cooked chicken with delicious results.
- Shredded Beef is another great choice in lieu of ground beef.
- Add in any type of beans to the filling. A 14 ounce can of drained beans is fabulous addition.
- A can of diced green chiles is another fabulous choice.
- Colby or Monterey Jack cheese are great in this taco casserole.
- Add in some refried beans for a variation in flavor.
Nutrition
The backstory to the recipe:
My North-East coast friends may not be so familiar with this taco bake with Frito chips. Years ago, I had this Frito Pie at a friend's house while living in Chicago. She was born and raised in Texas and introduced me to so many great recipes.
Niccole
I kept waiting for your green onions to be added...I'm assuming they are a topping lol. Delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Eileen xo
Hi Niccole, the green onions are a garnish. I have updated the recipe to clarify. I hope you enjoy the recipe. It is one of my favorites.
Sandra
What a great way to serve this! Frito Pie is a favorite around here (Southwest) but, we usually "plate" it in individual portions. Putting it in a dish and serving it "family-style" is sooooo much easier!
Eileen xo
Thank you Sandra. I hope you enjoy the Frito Pie.
Glenda
Oh, holy cow! That looks fantastic! My family will flip for this casserole. We're already Fritos fans and Mexican food is a number one favorite. Can't wait to give this recipe a try!
Eileen xo
Wonderful Glenda, thank you for letting me know you enjoy it.
Relle
This looks great. Can’t wait to try it.
Eileen xo
I hope you enjoy it, Relle.